Ep 2: A Library and Archives for Us: The Story of Gerber/Hart Library and Archives
On January 30th, 1981, Gerber/Hart Library and Archives opened its doors to the public. It was brought to life through the efforts of the Chicago Gay and Lesbian History Project and Gay Horizons. The starting collection was entirely donated and managed by volunteer staff. Volunteer staff are still “the backbone of Gerber/Hart”, doing everything from processing the archive and assisting patrons to curating exhibits and hosting events
"[When you donate your documents, collections, or materials to a place like Gerber/Hart,] you are part of a community and a movement’s history."
In addition to being a circulating library and an archives, Gerber/Hart hosts a variety of in-person and virtual events, from book talks, exhibit openings, and panels to a very popular used booksale.
"Communities taking the initative to make it happen”
In this episode, librarian and archivist Erin Bell discusses the early history of Gerber/Hart. Historian and author John D’Emilio describes queer history in the 1970s, bisexual and trans activism, and how individual donations were (and still are) crucial to the development of community archives and queer history.
{podcast will be embedded once it is released}
“Finding our history is going to be a tool for our liberation”
Want to learn more?
- Gerber/Hart’s “About Us” page
- Gerber/Hart’s “Meet Henry and Pearl” page
- Link to John D’Emilio’s latest book Queer Legacies (also available for check out in Gerber/Hart’s collection - link to GH catalog)
- Link to online exhibit page about Pearl Hart